Bonjour,
Bamako, day 3. What a change from Dakar! The most obvious change was felt the second I stepped outside the plane: the wind didn’t feel so refreshing. More like opening an oven.
Bamako “feels” much more like Africa than Dakar did. I see very, very few whiteys, and much, much more poverty. Bamako is hot, dusty and polluted, and yet surprisingly charming. I’ve also been very fortunate – again – to meet the right people. Badou, my Dakar right hand man, put me in touch with Amsatou, a serious photographer. SERIOUS. I stress the word. My day started early, was filled with meetings, music,and trips across town in surprisingly robust cabs hovering over surprisingly robust streets.
Now for the music…. I met Manjul today, a white guy with the longest dreadlocks I’ve ever seen. I gotta give it up, his roots reggae sound is TIGHT. Jamaica meets the kora. I also got plenty of phone numbers and leads, Bamako sounds much more promising than expected – I assumed Malian music did well enough overseas that my help was not as direly needed. Malian music does do well, however here too there is PLENTY of talent waiting to be heard.
I am staying in a pretty cool place, it feels like a nice fresh oasis with shaded patios, lots of plants, and even a swimming pool. It’s away from the bustling city center, across the Niger (!!!) river. But I’m leaving this joint tomorrow to go stay with Amsatou and her family, they have a few rooms they rent out to travelers. Living Malian in style.
Til next time..
B
